I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of
all his people (Ps. 116:14).
The steadfastness of his piety shines forth in this, that,
in the midst of his dangers, he had vowed unto God. And now he proves that he
by no means forgot these engagements, as most men do, who, when the hand of God
lies heavy upon them, implore his help for a short time, but soon bury in
oblivion the deliverance which they have received.
The Holy Spirit, speaking of the true worship of God, very
properly connects, by an indissoluble bond, these two parts of worship, “Call
upon me in the day of trouble;” and, “after thy deliverance glorify me,” Psalm
50:15. If any regard it as an absurdity for the faithful to enter into covenant
with God by making vows to him, to procure his approbation, my reply is, that
they do not promise the sacrifice of praise, to soothe him by their flatteries,
as if he were a mortal like themselves, or to bind him to them by proposing
some reward, for David had previously protested that he would not offer any
recompense.
The design, then, and the use of vows is, first, That the
children of God may have their hearts strengthened with the confidence of
obtaining whatever they ask; and, secondly, That they may be stimulated the
more to offer up their tribute of gratitude to God for his mercies. To aid the
children of God in their infirmity, the privilege of vowing may surely be
conceded to them, for by this means their most merciful Father condescends to
allow them to enter into familiar converse with him, provided they make their
vows for the object I have stated. Happen what may, nothing must be attempted
without his permission. (Commentaries)
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